title: Normative data for quantitative calcaneal ultrasonometry in Turkish children aged 6 to 14 years: relationship of the stiffness index with age, pubertal stage, physical characteristics, and lifestyle.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Quantitative ultrasonometry is commonly used to assess bone health. The aim of this study was to define normative data for the stiffness index of the calcaneus in healthy Turkish children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Quantitative ultrasonometric measurements of the calcaneus were obtained in 1617 healthy schoolchildren (811 boys and 806 girls) aged 6 to 14 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The stiffness index increased by 19.3% and 12% in boys and girls, respectively. The greatest increases were seen in the age groups of 12 to 13 and 13 to 14 years in boys (3.9%) and 11 to 12 and 12 to 13 years in girls (4.1%). There was a significant increase in stiffness index values among all Tanner stages except stage 4 (P < .05). Although the stiffness index was related to age, weight, and height, no correlation was seen between the stiffness index and calcium intake or physical activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides stiffness index data by age group and Tanner stage that may be useful for assessment of the bone status of Turkish children and can serve as comparative data for other patient groups.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ege University Medical Faculty, Bornova, 35040 Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Pinar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yesil
authors.forename: Berrin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Durmaz
authors.forename: Funda C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Atamaz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D049628:Body Size; D015519:Bone Density; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D011627:Puberty; D012016:Reference Values; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D059289:Vascular Stiffness
keywords: calcaneus; children; osteoporosis; quantitative ultrasonometry